Writing a Thesis Statement

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Transcript of Writing a Thesis Statement

The Thesis Statement JourneyIntroductory ParagraphStates the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence.Usually is written at the end of the introductory paragraphIt contains the main topic [limited subject]and your point of viewIt can list the points that will be discussed in the body of the essay (a plan of development).It narrows your topic to a specific focus that you will investigate in your paper.It establishes a footprint for the entire essay by making a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper;If you have a good thesis statement, creating an outline or plan is relatively easy.Remember that the thesis statement focuses both the writer's [you!] and the reader's [your instructor and your fellow students] attention on the specific issues (points) to be developed within the essay.The points listed in your plan of development can be turned into topic sentences for the supporting paragraphs in the body of your essay.Outlining: Your Trail MapThe thesis statement is the essay's main idea summarized in one complete sentence at the end of the introductionYou will support it with evidence and specific details in the body paragraphsIt evolves as you draft your essay and discover what you have to say about your topicYou will restate (not repeat) or refer to your thesis in the conclusionWhat is a Thesis Statement?After you have completed the prewriting stage and generated some main ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you can begin thinking about writing a thesis statement.Definition: Thesis StatementA thesis statement is a complete sentence that contains one main idea. This idea controls the content of the entire essay. A thesis statement may also contain a list of points which directs the audience on the reading journey they are about to embark upon. The thesis tells the reader how the essay will be organized and what to expect in the rest of the paper.The thesis statement will appear in the introductory paragraph of your essay. It is usually located near the end of the paragraph. It is usually one or two sentences long. It should be clear and concise. Why locate it in the introduction? Readers want to know where they are going, in other words, what the essay will be about.Do Not Take a Misstep in Your Path to Developing an Effective ThesisDon't Forget to Include a Point Of ViewDon't Make an AnnouncementDon't Make a Factual

StatementDon't Make a Broad

Statement2nd False Step: Don't Make an Announcement!In your thesis statement, you should avoid using statements like, "This essay will discuss..." or "I am going to write about...". Try to write a thesis statement that captures your reader's attention without announcing your main topic and stating the obvious.

Ist False Step Example:

In this essay, I am going to discuss the effectsof drug abuse.The Right StepExample:Long-term drug abuse can have disastrous effects onone's marriage, career, and health.

Note: This type of thesis statement includes a plan of development. In other words, you are promising the reader that you will discuss, in order, the effect on marriage, then on career, and finally on health. A plan of development is not required, but it can help guide a reader, especially if the subject is complex.3rd False Step: Do not state a fact or make an obvious point!If you begin by stating a fact or an obious point as your thesis statement, then you have no place to go next because a fact does not invite much discussion. Remember that your thesis statement should provide your point of view or attitude.

Example:

Over 18,000 students attended Essex County College in 2012-2013The Right Step

Example:

Attending a two-year community college has many advantages over enrolling in a four-year university.

Note: This thesis does not include a plan of development. It does promise the reader that it will contrast two subjects. The points will be made clear in the body of the essay.4th False Step: Do Not Use Broad Statements or You Could Lose Your Way!A topic that is too broad will make it difficult for youto convey your paper's central idea within the boundaries of yourpaper and make it difficult for your reader to understand youressay's point.Example:Gambling addiction is a growing problemin our country.The Right StepExample:Although a trip to the casino is harmless entertainment for most people, for some it can lead to a gambling addiction that can ruin their lives.

Note: This is an example of a two-part thesis. The first half (casinos are harmless for most) will be established in either the introduction or the first body paragraph. The bulk of the essay will concentrate on proving the main idea that addiction can ruin people's lives.Let's Review: The Key Steps to a Thesis StatementWhat does your thesis statement do?It narrows your subject to a single, central ideaIt claims something specific and significant about your subjectIt conveys your purposeIt lets the reader know what to expectWhere Will a Thesis Statement Lead Us?Let's practice with the following example:Comics have been part of America since the 1930s and their appeal has survived to the present day. Graphic novels are comics in a trade paperback format; the story is told both through text and through images. Graphic novels first appeared on the scene in 1978 and are steadily becoming mainstream in American culture. In recent years, much debate has been stirred regarding whether or not graphic novels have a place within a library's collection. To most, comics and graphic novels are silly, violent, and chauvinistic. However, comics are no longer simply men in tights; many graphic novels deal with current issues and serious subjects. Graphic novels have matured to become a legitimate form of literature with many titles winning major literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. While the overall general public tends to feel that graphic novels are a frivolous use of a library's budget, more and more librarians are finding that graphic novels are powerful tools in getting reluctant students to read.

Can you identify the thesis statement?Can the reader identify how the essay will be organized?

Comics have been part of America since the 1930s and their appeal has survived to the present day. Graphic novels are comics in a trade paperback format; the story is told both through text and through images. Graphic novels first appeared on the scene in 1978 and are steadily becoming mainstream in American culture. In recent years, much debate has been stirred regarding whether or not graphic novels have a place within a library's collection. To most, comics and graphic novels are silly, violent, and chauvinistic. However, comics are no longer simply men in tights; many graphic novels deal with current issues and serious subjects. Graphic novels have matured to become a legitimate form of literature with many titles winning major literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. While the overall general public tends to feel that graphic novels are a frivolous use of a library's budget, more and more librarians are finding that graphic novels are powerful tools in getting reluctant students to read.

The thesis statement contains the main ideas that controls the content of the essay.The points listed in the thesis or close to the thesis statement signal how the essay will be organized.Thesis Statement = Essay's MapConclusionOther False Steps

Thesis statements are not questions.Incorrect: Why do people smoke?Correct: People smoke for several reasons.

Thesis statements do not include examples.Incorrect: People smoke for several reasons, for example, because of peer pressure.

Thesis statements must be focused on only one main idea.Incorrect: Smoking is bad for one's health and is also very expensive.How do you come up with a thesis statement?Look at your prewriting!!!!!! What ideas stand out the most? Are there similar ideas that can be grouped together? (But be careful not to group together unrelated ideas, or your essay will lack unity.)1st False Step: Don't Forget to Include a Point of ViewA plan of development, i.e. your three supporting ideas by themselves, is not a thesis. Your thesis must contain a strong point of view.Example: Owning a home can improve a family's financial situation,strengthen ties to the community, and provide a safe environment for children.The RIght StepExample: Owning a home can improve a family'sstability.This thesis has a point of view. If you want, you can add a plan of development to it: Owning a home can improve a family's stability by enhancing its financial situation, strengthening its ties to the community, and providing a safer environment for children.